17 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Campgrounds near Cramerton, North Carolina range from developed RV and tent sites to primitive camping, with several locations within an hour's drive. McDowell Nature Preserve offers tent and RV camping along Lake Wylie, while Crowders Mountain State Park provides hiking access and camping areas approximately 15 miles west of Cramerton. Additional facilities include Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort with cabins and glamping options, and Kings Mountain State Park with both tent and RV accommodation types.
Road access to most camping areas remains good year-round, with most campgrounds offering paved entrances and maintained interior roads. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when Lake Norman and McDowell Nature Preserve frequently reach capacity. Winter brings milder temperatures compared to mountain regions farther west, making this area suitable for year-round camping. Cell service varies by location, with stronger coverage at developed campgrounds closer to Charlotte. Some primitive sites may have limited or no service. "McDowell Nature Preserve is close to the city but a world away from the bustle. Once you pull off the road and back into the nature preserve, all of the noise falls away."
Most campers highlight water access as a key feature of camping in this region. Lake Norman State Park Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious sites and lake proximity. Several visitors note the region offers a good balance between natural settings and urban convenience, with Charlotte attractions accessible within 30-45 minutes from most campgrounds. Tent campers particularly appreciate the shaded sites at McDowell Nature Preserve, where RV sites include water and electric hookups. Bathroom facilities at established campgrounds are generally well-maintained, with one review describing McDowell's facilities as "the cleanest and most well-designed bathrooms I've ever seen in a campground." For those seeking more seclusion, primitive sites at Copperhead Island and Crowders Mountain provide fewer amenities but greater privacy.
"When not in the side, a short walk takes you to the Trading Post, a small store selling firewood ($7), ice, souvenirs, and sundries. Next to that is a large playground connected to a pavilion."
"There are lots of trails close to the campground with one around a lake and a stream off of it. Facilities were very well maintained."
Available this weekend
"The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."
"The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."
"The part of the park that is best to go to is the Sparrow Springs access, some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park, and the main entrance with trails to the Crowder"
"The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."
"This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"
"We came here to do some trailer maintenance and because it is very close to home. We were not expecting it to be a great camping experience, but we’re pleasantly surprised!"
"Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front."
from $62 / night
"Also fairly close to the CLT airport, which is why I took a star away. Noise takes some getting used to."
"It is near the Charlotte airport, so there is noise from planes taking off and landing between 6 AM and 10 PM. Easy in and out. They only accept cash. "
from $30 / night
"Nice walk through Boy Scout camp. Trails are in good shape. Very close to Rivergate area. Great Lake access and nice kayaking."
"This island campground is located in a county park on the shores of Lake Wylie adjacent to the McDowell Nature Preserve, which also has a campground."
from $15 - $19 / night
from $40 - $60 / night
"LNSP is just a 45 minute drive from Charlotte and 1.5 hours from Asheville. The campsites are spacious, and surrounded by woods with plenty of shade to keep the summer heat in check."
"After a beautiful drive through the woods, I arrived at my site. The pad was well maintained and clean. The lake was about 100 yards from my campsite, with a nice trail down to the waters edge."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $75 / night
"We were on a “hill” but since we were close to all the trees i didn’t mind it."
from $68 - $98 / night
GuideDriving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it. Needless to say I got there in the dark and a kind person helped me to my site and got me backed in. Soo exhausted I hooked up electric only hit the bed passed out
RangerThis is a newer campground. It has a stocked pond with beautiful woods surrounding it.
RangerThis is a newer campground. It is peaceful.
RangerWhen I’m traveling through the area, I do my best to stay here. It is a peaceful and well kept campground. It is an adult and a kid friendly environment. It’s one of the few places you can feel safe. I highly recommend this place.
TravelerIt’s a small, clean campground but we are next to a busy road (site 28) and also the entrance to the public access of Moss Lake. It’s a tight squeeze for us as a 33’ fifth wheel.
ScoutIf you ever plan on visiting Shelby / Broad River KOA Holiday Campground and have women or kids in your party, and y'all rent a unit from them, I'd rethink it or keep the door locked at all times. Our visit was wonderful up until the point a maintenance worker walks straight up in here on us.
GuideTight fit, we stayed here with our 20ft trailer and it is a little tight. The site was at a slight angle and I noticed a lot of sites are the same way. Plus side is there is a security gate with code entry. Easy access to lake. Good clean boathouse and nice full hookups.
ScoutThe only problem I have with this app is you can’t find the campsite fees?
GuideEasy access and nice pool as well as little camp store.
Primitive camping opportunities near Cramerton include walk-in sites at Crowders Mountain State Park, accessible via a one-mile hike from the Sparrow Springs access point. The campground at McDowell Nature Preserve sits just 15 miles from Cramerton and offers both RV and tent sites in a wooded setting. These camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and amenities while maintaining proximity to both natural attractions and urban conveniences.
Hiking at multiple elevations: Crowders Mountain State Park features trails for various skill levels with significant elevation changes. One camper notes, "The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."
Lake access for fishing: McDowell Nature Preserve provides direct access to Lake Wylie. "We basically lived here in a tent, for 2 weeks in 2013, while waiting to close on our house when moving to Charlotte. We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area," shares one visitor.
Swimming at lakeside beaches: During summer months, Lake Norman State Park opens its beach area for swimming. "The beach is nice but gets very busy during the summer months. Lots of hiking trails, with lots of people using the grills etc," mentions a visitor.
Private, peaceful sites: Most campgrounds in the area offer secluded camping spots with natural buffers. A visitor to Lake Norman State Park Campground stated, "My wife and our four kids have had a great time. Plenty of shade and plenty to do. We fished, rode bikes, hiked and saw plenty of wildlife. Not too close to the neighbors."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out in many reviews. At Lake Norman, a camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept and clean. The staff and the camp host were very courteous. It was a very quiet stay. The bathhouse was new and well maintained."
Gated security: Kings Mountain State Park and McDowell Nature Preserve both feature security measures. A McDowell visitor shared, "The camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe. I can't say enough good things here."
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require significant leveling equipment. A Kings Mountain visitor warned, "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways."
Limited activities at some parks: Not all campgrounds offer structured activities. One McDowell Nature Preserve camper noted, "What I didn't like was they had no activities like most other camp sites. They do have hiking trials and fishing until 8pm."
Airport noise concerns: Fieldridge Acres and several other campgrounds experience air traffic noise due to proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. "It is near the Charlotte airport, so there is noise from planes taking off and landing between 6 AM and 10 PM," states one review.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers direct access to the amusement park. "This campground is owned by carowinds and has free bus rides to and from the park from open until close. Bathhouses are private and clean," one visitor explains.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds feature bike-friendly paths suitable for children. A camper at Lake Norman observed, "It was surprisingly busy, almost all sites occupied. A lot of young families were here with their bikes."
Playground access: Multiple facilities include playground equipment within the camping areas. At Ebenezer Park, a visitor shared, "Fun beach within easy walk from campsite!"
Site selection strategies: Many campgrounds have variable site sizes and layouts. A visitor to McDowell Nature Preserve advised, "There aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks."
Full hookup availability: Ebenezer Park Campground offers complete services for RVs. "We where at site 50 and it was completely shaded. Super close to town to get supplies and dinner," according to one RVer.
Check-in procedures: Different parks have varying registration requirements. One Kings Mountain visitor cautioned, "1st thing was i received an email telling me to check in at trading post and had the wrong address. The trading post check in is in the campground!!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Cramerton, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cramerton, NC is Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 46 reviews.
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